Mercedes-Benz Brings Pandora To Our World Through Its Vison AVTR Concept
In early 2020, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Vision AVTR concept at the Consumer Electronics Show. This incredibly imaginative vehicle was developed in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron’s production company, as it was based on Cameron’s smash-hit 2009 movie, Avatar.
While the Vision AVTR never makes an on-screen appearance, its futuristic design and peculiar driving experience are a showstopper.
The Visionary AVTR
Mercedes-Benz designer Gorden Wagener ultimately engulfs himself in the possibilities of what the company can do regarding the future of luxury. At the same time, Avatar producer Jon Landau has such intimacies with the film that he might as well be a blue avatar himself.
In an interview with the car site, Motortrend, Landau said, “Avatar has an ethos,” Landau said. “It challenges us to look at the world differently, to recognize our actions have an impact and seek a vision for a sustainable future.” With Wagener adding on, “The goal was to embed the philosophy of Avatar into a Mercedes-Benz.”
The Pandora World Brought To Mercedes-Benz
The result of Wagener’s goal was Vision AVTR. This carbon-fiber-bodied concept was formed with an aerodynamic One-Bow profile found on EQS and EQE sedans. “Visions of Pandora influenced the aesthetics,” Wagener said. Orb-shaped wheels are embellished with animated lights and have a small contact patch to lessen the impact on smooth terrain. Out back, a slew of illuminated flaps imitates Pandora’s wildlife. Energized by small electric motors, they move and change color in concurrence with the vehicle.
Apart from the gigantic transparent butterfly doors, the interior’s 2+2 seats are derived from the large leaves where the Na’vi / blue people sleep. The dashboard and center console create a T-shaped structure, excluding touchscreens. In its place is a projector in the headliner that radiates images, which occupants interact with through gesture controls.
“Connecting with nature is a theme in Avatar, and we want the car to connect with its driver,” said Wagener. The primary example is the need for an actual steering wheel and pedals. Like the Na’vi people do with their pets, the AVTR’s movements activate based on inputs on the illuminated nodule rising out of the center console. This unconventional controller enables acceleration, steering, and crab-walk motions switched on by rear-wheel steering.
A Sustainable Imagination
Whimsical as this Mercedes-Benz Avatar concept is, it could hold some hidden gems for next-generation three-star cars. Lessening the impact on the environment was the primary goal. The seats are composed of recycled materials, correlating to the automaker’s experimental bio-based leatherettes. Wood surfaces are made from rattan, which takes little time to regrow after its harvest. More importantly, the battery lacks rare earth substances, opting for a composable graphene cell chemistry instead. Such approaches are being carefully considered at Mercedes-Benz headquarters.
Mercedes-Benz Washington
If you’re interested in more innovative and eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz vehicles like the Vision AVTR, check out our online new car inventory on our dealership website, Mercedes-Benz Washington. We sell various cars in several shapes and prices. Those interested in anything we have to offer can chat with one of our representatives for further information and assistance.